Echinops sphaerocephalus, known by the common name Great globe thistle or Pale globe-thistle, is a species of globe thistle belonging to the family Asteraceae.

Abstract

Polysaccharides isolated from Echinops sphaerocephalus, Echinops ruthenicus, Echinops exaltatus, Echinops commutatus and Echinops orientalis (Asteraceae family) were investigated to study their qualitative and quantitative relations. The extracts of these studied plants have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as drugs with anti-inflammatory effect and anti-tumor promoting action in the osseous system [1]. We suppose that these biological effects are related to the polysaccharides especially to the acidic ones. The plant material was successively extracted with boiling water and six fractions were collected. The yield was 40-45%. The uronic acid content of these fractions, measured by the Bitter method, was relatively high 15-35% (Table I.). In case of Echinops sphaerocephalus different parts of the plant were investigated. The root and the stem are useful from a practical point of view because of the high uronic acid content. Some fractions, which seemed to be interesting on the basis of the measured uronic acid content, were dialyzed then concentrated, lyophilized and their uronic acid, protein and carbohydrate contents were determinated (Table III). The Echinops orientalis root fraction 6. was separated by ion-exchange chromatography. The monosaccharide composition of the neutral and the acidic fractions was measured by gas chromatography (Table IV).

Contents

Etymology

The genus name derives from the Greek words "ekhinos" meaning "hedgehog" and "opisis" meaning "aspect", with reference to the appearance of the inflorescence, while the species name sphaerocephalus derives from the words "sphaera" meaning "round" and "kephalos" meaning head.

Description

flowers, with bee

This is a glandular, woolly perennialherbaceous plant which reaches on average 50–100 centimetres (20–39 in) of height, with a maximum of two metres.

Atop each stem is an almost perfectly spherical inflorescence up to 6 cm in diameter, packed with white or blue-gray disc florets. It flowers from June until September.The flowers are pollinated by insects (usually bees, wasps and butterflies) (entomogamy) and are hermaphrodite (self fertilization or autogamy). The fruits are hairy cylindrical achenes about 7 to 8 mm long. They ripe from September through October. The seed dispersal is granted by wind (anemochory).

Distribution

This species is native to Eurasia but it lives on other continents where it was introduced, including North America where it is a widespread weed. It is very common in the mountains of southern France and southern and central Europe.

Habitat

It grows in sunny, rocky or brushy places, with more or less mineral rich soils, at an altitude of 0–400 metres (0–1,300 ft) above sea level.

Plant number: 1.197.040

Globe Thistle, originating from Europe and West Asia, is a well-behaved perennial for the border, despite its name. Plants form a bushy, upright mound of thistly-looking, grey-green leaves, bearing stems of ball-shaped flowers through the summer. This selection features large, rounded white flowers that contrast beautifully with the sturdy, reddish stems and silvery-green leaves. Excellent for cutting fresh or drying. Attractive to butterflies. Globe Thistle should be divided every 3 to 4 years, in early spring. Plants may be trimmed to the ground in late fall, or left for winter interest. In areas with wet soil in winter, better success may come from growing these in a raised bed.

A noble plant for the back of the border, with leaves felted white or grey beneath, and large, spherical, silvery-grey flower-heads, splendid either for cutting or drying. 5-7 ft.

Genus:

Echinops

Species:

sphaerocephalus

Family Name:

Compositae/Asteraceae

Seed Catalogue No.:

494

English Name(s):

Globe Thistle

Hardiness:

Hardy

Lifecycle:

Perennial

Suitable for:

Cut Flowers

Colour:

White Cream

Flowers:

June, July, August

The genus name means 'Like a Hedgehog' in reference to the spiny heads of seeds. This species has large gray-blue flower balls ( thus the species name which means ‘round headed’), plants grow 6 feet tall. Good cut flower subject, grow in full sun. Echinops is a distinctive perennial with some what prickly edged leaves and spherical, pale, off-white flowers. A choice architectural plant for the back of border. The spiny, dark-green, silver haired-cobwebbed covered leaves are silver with very silver-white undersides provide interest from spring until flowering in late summer. Grow with other tall striking late summer plants such as cardoon and Echinacea or tall grasses. Will bloom the secound year.

Zones 3-8

Native to Eurasia. Naturalized in some parts of California. Germination in less than two weeks at 70؛F, if no germination - Use 3 weeks at 30-39؛F